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11. Conservation of Hamaam

The structure is so far believed to have served as a mortuary bath on account of its being prominently sited within a necropolis. It has several chambers and is the finest Persian type Hamaam to survive in India. It contains the number of cisterns for hot and cold water, with running pipes for water supply. The platforms are decorated with mosaic works. Major alterations and inappropriate 20th century repairs to the structure and within its immediate setting have led to a poor understanding and appreciation of the grandeur and complexity.

Clearance of vegetation and study of archival photographs revealed a strong link with the Baoli and that the water lifting mechanism at the hamaam was much higher till the late 19th century. Removal of cement concrete layers on the roof also revealed a network of terracotta pipes supplying water to various cisterns on the ground level. Conservation works on hamam, required removal of lime wash layers and restoring plaster patterns would thus need to be coupled with continued archaeological investigations.

Conservation of Internal Surfaces

OUTCOME:

The internal surface had been severely damaged due to water seepage. There were signs of decay at almost every portion of the internal surface of the monument. Initial investigations had further revealed that layers of modern inappropriate repairs were made in cement.

The internal platform on the eastern side was covered with a layer of cement concrete and plaster which had developed cracks. On removal of the cement, missing stone details on the platform were revealed.

Dismantling of loose plaster, cement and removal of distemper have revealed the original plaster layers. These had grooves and arch-bands on the edges of the archways.

Several sealed openings were re-opened – to reveal niches for lamps, doorways etc.

The octagonal projected dome to the east side showed deterioration of plaster and hence the loose plaster was dismantled and restored using traditional lime mortar and techniques.

The cement flooring was dismantled from the internal platform and the original lime concrete was revealed below.

On removal of the cement, missing stone details of arch and coping of the platform were revealed. These missing arch and coping stones will be restored to the building.

NEXT STEP:

The missing architectural elements such as stones from the platform and other portions of the monument are required to be reinstated.

The internal surface needs to be re-plastered with lime mortar as per the original details and mouldings revealed.

The openings are required to be restored to their original form.

The external surface on all the sides needs to be studied for exposure of original details and openings.

Roof Repairs

The roof of the Hamaam was covered with rampant vegetation growth causing ingress of water into the monument and resulting in major damage to the internal plaster.

OUTCOME:

On inspection, the roof was found to be covered with layers of cement concrete and the lime concrete below had developed cracks at various places with roots penetrating deep into it.

At the onset vegetation was scientifically removed from the roof.

The excess layers of cement concrete, which weighed around 150 tonnes, were removed and the base was repaired at necessary portions.

During dismantling of the newer layers two vertical Terracotta pipes leading from the roof into the monument and a series of pipes were revealed on the roof. The connection proved that the water was stored in two water tanks on the north side of the hamaam, which were filled using the Persian pulley system from the Baoli to the north of Hamaam. This was then distributed from the roof level into different cisterns in the monument.

The roof consists of many openings of different shapes mostly circular and square. While removing the new concreting from the roof, it was revealed that most of the original openings were hexagonal in shape. The original profiles of the openings were retained and stone edging was provided to these openings before applying lime concrete.

The loose plaster from parapet walls, the central dome roof and octagonal projected roof were dismantled and traditional lime plaster was applied to the external surface.

Traditional lime concrete, six inches thick was laid to adequate slope on the roof using traditional tools and techniques.

NEXT STEP:

It would be important to determine the covering of the openings on the roof ensuring proper light and ventilation while restricting rain water access into the monument.

Flooring

The arcaded corridor on south had limestone flooring, which is modern and was covered with cement – showing signs of damage and deterioration. Modern repairs had been carried out in cement which led to further damage to the underlying lime plaster. Vegetation growth was also seen in many portions of the surface.

OUTCOME:

The paving stones in the arcaded corridor were dismantled to reveal the original level of the flooring – over two feet below existing levels.

NEXT STEP:

It would be critical to restore the original floor level though this would require significant alteration of earth levels in the surrounding zone to ensure water does not drain into the structure.

IMPACT:

The roof has been restored and the Terracotta pipes conserved and covered to prevent further deterioration. It has helped in long term preservation of the monument by the removal of excess lime and cement concrete thereby reducing the weight on the monument. Major conservation works on the structure will be carried out through 2016.